Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Breast Carcinoma and its Association with Expression of Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors and HER-2/neu and Molecular Subtypes

Background: The management of breast carcinoma depends on several molecular markers and tumor stages. In the last decades, estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER-2/neu have shown good therapeutic responses. Among other molecular markers, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is becoming more widely used as a prognostic indicator in patients with breast carcinoma. Anti-VEGF therapy already has been proven as an effective chemotherapeutic agent in some other carcinomas. The study aimed to find out the immunohistochemical expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in breast carcinoma and its possible correlation with the expression of ER, PR, and HER-2/neu and molecular subtypes to evaluate its prognostic value. Material & Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, from March 2018 to January 2020. In this study, 45 diagnosed cases of breast carcinoma were enrolled. Slides of all cases were stained with ER, PR, HER-2/neu, and VEGF antibodies following the avidin-biotin-peroxidase staining method. Results: Among 45 cases, 60% showed positive immunohistochemical expression of VEGF. Most of these cases (71.1%) were ER/PR positive. VEGF did not show a significant association with other molecular markers or molecular subtypes. Conclusion: Although, the potential prognostic value of VEGF has not been confirmed. Based on the findings of the current study, it can be assumed that VEGF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. So, it may serve as a useful biomarker for immuno-targeting therapy in patients with breast cancer.

Vitamin D deficiency is a public health emergency among Indonesian children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence

Purpose@#This study aimed to describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Indonesian children and adolescents. @*Methods@#This was a meta-analysis of prevalence using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method with a random effects model. A prediction interval was used to estimate true effects. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and 3 Indonesian databases (Indonesian Scientific Journal Database, Neliti, and Indonesia One Search). We included cross-sectional or case-control studies that provided data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. We excluded case reports, case series, cohort studies, or studies outside Indonesia. We computed point prevalence by dividing the number of children with hypovitaminosis D by the total number of subjects in that study. This review was registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (CRD42022329814). @*Results@#Of 1,397 manuscripts identified, 7 were included in this review. A total of 5,870 children were included in this meta-analysis, ranging in age from 6 months to 19 years. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Indonesia was calculated as 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9–56) and was higher in females (60% [95% CI, 58–62]) than in males (40% [95% CI, 38–42]). Mean serum vitamin D level was 22.74 ng/mL (95% CI, 16.95–30.51) with a prediction interval of 15.96 ng/mL to 29.52 ng/mL. @*Conclusion@#Vitamin D deficiency is a public health emergency in Indonesia. Strategies to detect and treat vitamin D deficiency in Indonesian children and adolescents should be implemented immediately.

Prevalence of depression and associated factors among undergraduate medical students

Background: Depression has become one of the commonest mental ailments in current era. Its impact is far more in medical personnel than general population. Most of the medical students leave their houses for the first time and enter into the new environment of knowledge and responsibility. Though various studies have reported high prevalence of depression among undergraduate students, it was desirable to know its status in south Rajasthan. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on 302 undergraduate medical students to know prevalence and risk factors for depression. Along with the pre-designed questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Scale was used as study tools. Cut off value of 17 and above was considered to define the depression on BDI scale. Results: Prevalence of depression was 10% among undergraduate medical students. Statistically, female gender and students studying in fifth semester were significant risk factors. Residence, socio-economic class and family history of depression were not significant associated factors. Conclusion: Prevalence of depression is higher among medical undergraduates as compared to general population with female gender and fifth semester students being important risk factors

Smartphones- Help or Hindrance in Advancing Medical/Dental Education.

BACKGROUND Smartphone - a hand-held minicomputer housing in itself innumerable applications (Apps) from as simple as a clock to more complex apps like mobile banking etc. has completely revolutionized the very existence of human beings. There are myriads of apps available to the medical fraternity, which aids in not only practicing medicine but learning it too. The major advantage is the convenience it provides in accessing and organizing the data at a speed which is manually inconceivable. But as every coin has two sides, this tool like any other has disadvantages too. Distraction, dependence and reliability of information are some to name a few. The present survey was undertaken as a preliminary step to discern the stance of medical and dental students towards smartphone and its integration as an aid to promote teaching and learning.METHODSA questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in SGT University and Manav Rachna Dental College. A total of 750 MBBS and BDS students participated in the study.RESULTSThe study revealed that smartphones have permeated the medical education system, but their use is still limited to sharing timetables, assignment and staying connected with teachers and fellow students. Portability, ease of accessing data, time management, cost effectiveness and respite from carrying heavy books everywhere have endeared the device to students. But a majority of them (83%) still feel more comfortable in learning texts from conventional textbooks.CONCLUSIONSThough the merits of incorporating smartphones in our education system definitely outnumber the demerits, one cannot ignore the challenges facing us today. Addressing the limitations, especially devising a method to keep the smartphones in the campus but out of our lectures is of utmost importance.

Evaluating the Relationship of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference on the Image Quality of Abdominal Computed Radiography (Menilai Hubungan Indeks Jisim Badan dan Lilitan Pinggang pada Kualiti Imej Radiografi Berkomputer Abdomen) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Body sizes of patients undergoing x-ray examination vary in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between BMI and WC on the image quality of abdominal computed radiography (CR). Anteroposterior supine abdomen projection was conducted on 69 patients from Hospital Raja Perempuan Bainun, Ipoh using a Siemens Multixtop general x-ray unit, and the images were processed with CR Carestream Direct view Max. Samples were categorised into normal BMI (n = 23), overweight (n = 23) and obese (n = 23). Image quality was measured quantitatively in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and qualitatively by visual grading analysis (VGA) based on the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) image criteria. Data were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation for comparison and determining the relationship among BMI, WC and image quality. Results showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in image quality of VGAmean (normal = 4.40 ± 0.15, overweight = 4.35 ± 0.13, obese = 4.03 ± 0.34) and SNRmean (normal = 60.79 ± 2.19, overweight = 59.66 ± 1.68, obese = 55.78 ± 4.31). A moderate to high negative correlation existed between SNR (r = −0.73), VGA (r = −0.7) with BMI (p < 0.01) and between SNR (r = −0.83), VGA (r = −0.79) with WC (p < 0.01). This study suggests that WC has a higher negative linear relationship than BMI and can be used as an effective image quality predictor for abdominal CR examination.

A Study on Prevalence of Diabetes and Its Impact on Quality of Life Of Patients in Bangladesh

Background: Diabetes management requires a fundamentalchange in the lifestyle of a patient and quality of life is one ofthe core consequences. This analysis attempted to determinethe Diabetes Quality of Life (DQoL) score; a measurementdeveloped for WHOs Diabetes Control and Complications Trial(DCCT) and analyzed the factors related to it in diabetes.Objectives: The main objective of the study is to assess theimpact of physiological, biological, medical and co-morbiditymeasures on the quality of life of patients with diabetes.Methods: This was a cross sectional method conducted inBirdem, Hospital, and the study duration was from October2018 to September 2019. The research site was at BIRDEM,where the study population was available. A total of 750sample of patients were chosen for the study using a statisticalmethod. Patients with diabetes diagnosed for at least 1 yearperiod were considered for the research. Severely ill patientswith numerous co-morbid conditions have been removed.Results: In this sample, 51% of patients were female and 49%were male. About 96% patients had type 2 diabetes, 65% hadcompleted their graduation and 70% were from lower middle tomiddle class families. Approximately 76.9% of patients wereeither overweight or obese, 52% had mobility problems, 27%had self-care issues, 49.2% had normal activities, 74.4% hadpain and 76.3% had depression problems. Results showedthat age, gender, lower - middle income, and HbA1c weresignificantly (p<0.05) associated with mobility. Self-care wassignificantly linked (p<0.05) to age, family history and period ofdiabetes mellitus (DM).Conclusions: Most patients had problems with pain /discomfort and anxiety / depression; half had problems withmobility and usual activities; and three in ten had problems withself-care. Age, gender, employment, education, family historyand length of DM and prescription care are important factorsassociated with diabetes quality of life in diabetes.

Public knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in Tangail, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a major public health problem throughout the world. In Bangladesh, the reliable data concerning various aspects of CVD is inadequate at present due to lack of national population-based surveys or central administrative health data. Given the rising incidence of CVDs in Bangladesh, an improved understanding of the CVD, symptoms and risk factors is needed. Hence, this study was performed to assess the level of knowledge towards CVD types, warning symptoms of heart attack or stroke, and CVD risk factors.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2018 to June 2018 using standard questionnaire on a sample of 350 randomly selected Bangladeshi individuals. All the data of the study were input in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 software from IBM for windows and the gathered data thus analyzed using SPSS & Microsoft Excel.Results: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).Conclusions: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).

Internet addiction among adolescents: prevalence, impact on scholastic performance and psychiatric co-morbidities

Background: Looking at the increasing use of internet, it is time to concern about internet addiction(IA) and its consequences. Though researchers have started paying attention to it, it is desired to study IA among adolescents residing in smaller cities and towns of India. Aim and Objectives:To knowthe prevalence of IA among school going adolescents and to find out its risk factors, impact on scholastic performance and presence of anxiety/ depression. Material and Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Jhalawar city of Rajasthan. A total of 421 students studying in class VIII to XII were recruited after taking complete enumeration sample from two schools. Along with proforma, study tools includedYoung’s Internet Addiction Test 20 (YIAT-20)and Patient Health Questionnaire-Anxiety & Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Results: Observed IA prevalence was 14%. IA was found to have deteriorating effect on scholastic performance. 64.4% and 54.2% of internet addicted students suffered from various grades of depression and anxiety respectively, which is quite high. Male gender and use of internet mainly for entertainment were predominant risk factors for IA on logistic regression.Conclusion:IA has adverse impact on adolescents in terms of poor scholastic performance and psychiatric co-morbidities.

A study highlighting the reluctant use of ORS by mothers of children under-5 years in field practice areas of Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Introduction: Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death and accounting for 9% of all deaths among children under 5years worldwide in 2015. It is both preventable and treatable. Rehydration therapy is a critical intervention to save the lives of children during the episodes of diarrhoea. Objective: Study was conducted to identify the gap between knowledge and practices of ORS use in diarrhoea among mothers of under 5 year’s children and treatment practices during diarrhoea. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using pretested, semi structured interview schedule, among 320 mothers, of children under 5years who suffered from diarrhoea within two weeks before study, in field-practice areas of UHTC and RHTC, Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar (Raj.) from February 2017 to July 2017. Results: Among 320 children, 50% children had diarrhoea of age >6 month to 24 months. Majority of mothers (41.5%) were educated up to secondary level. 95% mothers knew the ORS but exact knowledge about preparation and use of ORS was only 29.3%. Majority of mothers got knowledge from Doctors. ORS use was 88.7% in rural area and 85.6% in urban area. Use of Zinc preparation was 2.5% and antibiotics was 76.5% during diarrhoea. Statistically significant association was found between education of mother, vaccination of children for measles and supplementation of Vitamin A with the knowledge about ORS of mothers. Conclusion: In present study knowledge and use of ORS is fairly good but the correct preparation and use of ORS is only among 29%.

Neuroprotective potential of polydatin against motor abnormalities and dopaminergic neuronal loss in rotenone induced Parkinson model / Potencial neuroprotector de la polidatina contra las anomalías motoras y la pérdida neuronal dopaminérgica en un modelo de Parkinson inducido por la rotenona

Among the neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson disease (PD) is ranked as second most common. The pathological hallmark is selective degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the nigro-striatal regions of brain with appearance of the Lewy bodies. Present study explores the neuro-protective potential of polydatin in terms of amelioration of degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in nigro-striatal regions of brain and distorted neuromotor behavior in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group A (control), Group B (rotenone treated) and Group C (rotenone+polydatin treated). Rotenone was administrated intraperitoneally (i.p) at a dose of 3 mg/kg/body weight while polydatin was given i.p. at a dose of 50 mg/ kg/body weight for four weeks. Then, animals were sacrificed; substantia nigra (SN) & striatum isolated from brain and five micron thick sections were prepared. Cresyl violet (CV), H&E and Immuno-histochemical staining using anti-TH antibody was done. Motor behavior was assessed weekly throughout the experiment using five different methods. Rotenone treated parkinsonian animals showed deterioration of motor behavior, weight loss, loss of dopaminergic neurons and diminished immune-reactivity in the sections from the nigrostriatal regions of these animals Polydatin+rotenone treatment showed contradicting effects to parkinsonism, with amelioration in weight loss, neuro-motor behavior, dopaminergic loss and immune-reactivity against dopaminergic neurons. Present study revealed a neuro-protective potential of polydatin in animal model of PD by ameliorating the neuro-motor abnormalities and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in nigrostriatal regions.

Entre los trastornos neurodegenerativos, la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se clasifica como la segunda más común. El sello patológico es la degeneración selectiva de las neuronas dopaminérgicas en las regiones nigro-estriatales del cerebro, con la aparición de los cuerpos de Lewy. El presente estudio explora el potencial de protección neuronal de la polidatina en términos de la mejora de la degeneración de las neuronas dopaminérgicas en las regiones nigro-estriatales del cerebro y el comportamiento neuromotor distorsionado en el modelo de rotenona de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Treinta y seis ratas macho Sprague Dawley se dividieron en tres grupos: Grupo A (control), Grupo B (tratado con rotenona) y Grupo C (tratamiento con rotenona + polidatina). La rotenona se administró por vía intraperitoneal (i.p.) a una dosis de 3 mg/kg/peso corporal, mientras que la polidatina se administró i.p. a una dosis de 50 mg/kg/ peso corporal durante cuatro semanas. Posteriormente, los animales fueron sacrificados. Se aislaron la substantia nigra (SN) y cuerpo estriado de los cerebros y se realizaron secciones de cinco micras de espesor. Se realizó una tinción de violeta de cresilo (CV), H&E y tinción inmunohistoquímica usando anticuerpo anti-TH. El comportamiento motriz se evaluó semanalmente durante todo el experimento utilizando cinco métodos diferentes. Los animales parkinsonianos tratados con rotenona mostraron deterioro del comportamiento motriz, pérdida de peso, pérdida de neuronas dopaminérgicas y disminución de la reactividad inmune en las secciones de las regiones nigroestriadas. El tratamiento con polidatina + rotenona mostró efectos contrarios al parkinsonismo, con mejoría en la pérdida de peso, en el comportamiento motor, en la pérdida dopaminérgica y en la reactividad inmune contra las neuronas dopaminérgicas. El presente estudio reveló un potencial de protección neuronal de la polidatina en el modelo animal de la EP al mejorar las anomalías neuro-motoras y la degeneración de las neuronas dopaminérgicas en las regiones nigroestriatales.

Clinical efficacy comparison of saccharomyces boulardii and lactic acid as probiotics in acute pediatric diarrhea

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii and lactic acid producing probiotics in addition to usual treatment regimen to cure diarrhea among children [6 months to 5 years of age]

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from February to July 2015

Methodology: Children suffering from acute diarrhea were orally administered Saccharomyces boulardii and lactic acid producing probiotics for 5 days. The efficacy of administered probiotics was monitored. Patients were given Saccharomyces boulardii and lactic acid producing probiotics randomly to remove the bias

Results: Two hundred patients randomly selected for trials; out of which, 100 were treated with Saccharomyces boulardii while the other 100 were supplemented with lactic acid concomitantly along with conventional diarrhea treatment. Results indicated that Saccharomyces boulardii treatment group has significantly higher efficacy rate [45%] compared to lactic acid producing probiotics [26%]

Conclusion: This study concluded that Saccharomyces boulardii has a better efficacy compared to lactic acid and may be adopted as a probiotic of choice

First cytogenetic profile of Omani patients with de novo myelodysplastic syndromes - Comparison with data from Asia, Africa, Europe and North and South America

Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities have been reported among 30-80% of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes [MDS]; however, 20-70% of patients with MDS show a normal karyotype that may nevertheless harbour a cryptic genetic alteration. Earlier reports have suggested that the distribution of specific chromosomal aberrations varies among Western and Asian countries, with geographical and ethnic differences in the frequency of specific chromosomal aberrations. This article compared the cytogenetic data of 36 adult Omani patients with MDS to previously reported data from other populations. Differences were noted between the percentages of clonal aberrations and the median age of Omani subjects at presentation in comparison to individuals of different ethnicities and from various geographical locations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe the cytogenetic data of patients with MDS from Oman

Effectiveness of per rectal misoprostol versus intramuscular oxytocin for prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of per rectal misoprostol over oxytocin in primary postpartum haemorrhage [PPH]

Study Design: Randomised controlled trial study

Place and Duration of Study: Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Unit IV, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, from September 2013 to February 2014

Methodology: Emergency obstetric patients receiving per rectal misoprostol [800 micro gm] were named as group 'A' and those receiving 10 units oxytocin intramuscularly were labelled as group 'B'. The patients were followed within 24 hours of spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Pads soaked were used to assess the amount of blood loss

Results: A total of 1,678 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients in group-A was 29.11 years while the mean age of patients in group-B was 29.16 years. One hundred and twenty-three [14.66%] patients in group-A and 120 [14.31%] patients in group-B had PPH. Among the total 1,678 patients, 243 [14.49%] had postpartum haemorrhage among whom 24 [9.88%] had major haemorrhage with a blood loss >/=1000 mL. Among the sub-group [839 patients] administered misoprostol had 123 [14.66%] patients with blood loss greater than 500 mL and the rest 716 patients [85.34%] had blood loss less than 500 mL. The sub-group administered oxytocin have 120 [14.31%] out of 839 patients with postpartum haemorrhage while 719 [85.69%] had blood loss less than 500 mL

Conclusion: Active management of 3rd stage of labour with per rectal misoprostol administration was as effective as intramuscular oxytocin. Both were equally effective to reduce PPH and the subsequent need for surgical interventions

Correlation between Glycated Hemoglobin and Serum Lipids in Type 2 Diabetics in Eastern Libya.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly common metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with dyslipidemia and an increased percentage of glycated hemoglobin. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications. Objective: To assess the relationship between glycemic control (as reflected by glycated hemoglobin; HbA1c) and serum lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were selected from those attending Diabetes Mellitus Clinic, Seventeenth of February Teaching Hospital, Al- Baida as outpatients. The subjects were divided into 3 groups such as group I as the control group, group II as the diabetic group with all related complications excluded and group III as those with type 2 DM with atleast cardiovascular event in the last two years considered as cardiovascular complication of DM. Blood samples were collected from all the subjects and tested for glucose level, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol using authenticated reagents kits on an auto analyzer. LDL cholesterol was calculated using Friedwald’s formula. Results: The levels of glycated hemoglobin (p<0.0001), fasting glucose level (p<0.0001) and triglycerides (p<0.0001), were significantly raised and HDL cholesterol (p<0.0001) is found to have significantly decreased in diabetic patients with or without cardiovascular complications. In those patients with diabetic complications, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly raised and high density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased when compared to control subjects. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed significant positive correlation between glycated hemoglobin with the levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in both control and diabetic groups with or without complications. Glycated hemoglobin level was significant and positively correlated with total cholesterol and triglycerides in type 2 DM.

Antihyperglycemic studies with boiled and non-boiled Vigna mungo seeds.

Vigna mungo is a common leguminous crop cultivated in Bangladesh for its edible seeds, which are consumed following boiling or cooking. Since many lentil plants are known to have antihyperglycemic activity, it was of interest to determine the antihyperglycemic potential of seeds of V. mungo both in its boiled and non-boiled form. In oral glucose tolerance tests conducted in glucose-loaded Swiss albino mice, crude methanol extract of non-boiled seeds reduced blood glucose levels by 29.1, 36.5, 42.6, and 48.9%, respectively, at doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg per kg body weight. At the afore-mentioned four doses, the percent reductions in blood glucose levels were, respectively, 24.1, 35.1, 39.4, and 46.5% with crude methanol extract of boiled seeds. Glibenclamide, a standard antihyperglycemic drug was observed to reduce blood glucose levels by 48.2%, when administered at a dose of 10 mg per kg. Thus the extracts of both non-boiled and boiled seeds demonstrated good antihyperglycemic potential comparable to glibenclamide and can be used as a readily available alternative to alleviate high blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Micro hardness of dental tissues influenced by administration of aspirin during pregnancy / Microdureza de los tejidos dentales influenciada por la administración de aspirina durante el embarazo

The study is associated with the effect of aspirin (Acetyl Salicylic Acid) on the microhardness of mineralized tissues of the offspring's teeth, in response to the ingestion of the drug during pregnancy. Aspirin is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic medicine, for symptomatic treatment. Misuse of this drug during pregnancy may instigate developmental defects in offspring. An experimental control study was designed, in which female rabbits were taken as representative mammalian models and treated with aspirin during pregnancy. Their offspring's teeth were used to assess the microhardness of dental tissues. The rabbits were alienated into two groups, treated and control, consisting of seven rabbits in each set (n= 7). Microhardness was evaluated in three types of the sample teeth. The total number of teeth examined were, 2x7x12= 168 samples. Vicker's Hardness degree values were measured and recorded vis-à-vis (50 g for 15 s with 3 indentations per specimen on enamel and dentine separately). The range of hardness obtained was statistically analyzed and the Student's t-tests was applied, with the aid of SPSS version 20. The P-values for both enamel and dentine from maxillary incisors and molars were less than 0.05. The same trend was observed in the mandibular teeth. However, a teratogenicity of Acetyl Salicylic Acid was pragmatic in the recent in vivo studies. Based on the analysis, it was evident that the aspirin administration could produce negative effects leading to reduction in the microhardness of dental tissues of the offsprings.

El estudio asocia el efecto de la aspirina (ácido acetil salicílico) sobre la microdureza de los tejidos mineralizados de los dientes de crías, en respuesta a la ingesta del fármaco durante la preñez. La aspirina es un analgésico y antipirético ampliamente utilizado para el tratamiento sintomático. El mal uso de esta droga durante la preñez puede inducir defectos en el desarrollo de las crías. Se diseñó un estudio experimental de control, en el que se tomaron conejas como modelos de mamíferos representativos y fueron tratados con aspirina durante la preñez. Los dientes de sus crías fueron utilizados para evaluar la microdureza de los tejidos dentales. Los animales fueron distribuidos en dos grupos, tratados y control, con siete animales en cada grupo (n= 7). La microdureza se evaluó en tres tipos de dientes de la muestra. El número total de dientes examinados fueron 168 (2x7x12). Se midieron y registraron valores del grado de dureza Vickers vis-à-vis (50 g por 15 s con 3 indentaciones por especimen sobre el esmalte y la dentina por separado). Se analizó estadísticamente la gama de dureza obtenida y se aplicaron pruebas t de Student con la ayuda del programa SPSS versión 20. Los valores de p para el esmalte y la dentina de los incisivos maxilares y molares fueron menores a 0,05. Se observó la misma tendencia en los dientes mandibulares. Sin embargo, teratogenicidad producto del ácido acetil salicílico se encontró en recientes estudios in vivo. De acuerdo al análisis de los resultados, se evidenció que la administración de aspirina provocó efectos negativos que determinaron la reducción de la microdureza de los tejidos dentales de las crías.

Pulse Oximetry as a Screening Tool to Detect Hypoxia Associated with Early-onset Sepsis in Asymptomatic Newborns: A Feasibility Study in a Low-income Country.

Aims: i) To assess the feasibility of using pulse oximetry as a screening tool in lowincome countries to detect hypoxemia associated with early-onset sepsis in asymptomatic newborns. ii) To evaluate the acceptability of pulse oximetry screening to mothers and healthcare professionals. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Place and Duration of Study: Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania between January and March 2013. Methodology: All eligible asymptomatic newborns of more than 33 weeks gestational age born during the study period were screened on two occasions using pulse oximetry. Newborns with oxygen saturations below predefined thresholds were test positive. We recorded the proportion of eligible newborns screened, time taken for the test and the acceptability of pulse oximetry use to mothers and healthcare professionals. The rates of hypoxaemia and clinical diagnosis of sepsis in asymptomatic newborns were evaluated. Results: A total of 316 asymptomatic newborns were screened, of which eighteen (5.7%) were classified as test positive. Clinical examination led to the diagnosis of sepsis in 41 newborns (13%), including eight newborns who tested positive with pulse oximetry screening. Mothers (n=50) and healthcare professionals (n=18) were predominantly satisfied with screening. Conclusion: It is feasible to evaluate the role of pulse oximetry as a screening tool to detect early-onset sepsis in a low-income setting. The test is acceptable to mothers and healthcare professionals. Further studies are needed to assess the accuracy of the test in detecting sepsis in asymptomatic newborns and its clinical impact on neonatal health.

Laparoscopic findings of female infertility - a study of 186 cases at a tertiary care hospital

To study the various causes of female infertility, diagnosed at laparoscopy. Descriptive study. The study was conducted at Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan from April 2008 to December 2010. A series of 186 patients, having either primary or secondary infertility admitted through gynae outpatient department undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and meeting inclusion criteria were studied. The data was collected prospectively and analysed in the form of frequency and percentages by using SPSS version 10. Amongst the cohort of 186 patients, 148 [79.6%] had primary and 38 [20.4%] had secondary infertility. Their ages ranged from 20 to 43 years. Mean age of study participants was 30.14 +/- 4.04 years. Mean duration of infertility was 9.5 years. No laparoscopic abnormality was found in 51 [27.9%], while there were abnormal findings in 135 [72.6%] patients. Commonest etiological factor was tubal blockade in both types of infertility. Other factors were endometriosis, pelvic adhesions and fibroids. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive yet a reliable procedure for visualization of internal architecture of the female pelvis

Nutritional status of primary school children in Abbottabad

In Abbottabad district, with the vast poverty stricken rural majority and 80% literacy rate, primary-level education faces great influx of students. This study was carried out to see the nutritional status of children 5-10 years of age attending primary schools of Abbottabad. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out in June 2009 on 400 schoolchildren of 5-10 years of age from three randomly selected primary schools of Abbottabad. After informed consent by the parents/ teachers, a semi-structured Performa/questionnaire was filled for each child. Anthropometric measurements were recorded. Correlation of age of the child with height, and weight was calculated. The nutritional status of the study children was particularly optimum; 90% children were in optimal nutritional status and had sound skeletal growth irrespective of their socioeconomic background. There was a significant correlation of nutritional status and skeletal growth of children with parents' socioeconomic status. There was a direct correlation between height and weight of children, and their age. Anthropometric measurements indicate a high majority of children in healthy status despite the overall poor setup

Age Related Change in Thyroid Function.

Background: Thyroid hormones play a vital role in metabolism, sensitivity of tissues to other hormones and also in oxygen consumption of almost all cells of the body. However, mild to moderate decrease in function of thyroid gland may occur with advancing age even in apparently healthy elderly subjects. Objectives: To observe age related change in thyroid function status in apparently healthy elderly subjects in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2011. Sixty apparently healthy elderly subjects of both sexes aged 50 to 75 years were taken as study group. They were collected from Probin Nibash Hitoishi Shangha, Agargaon, Dhaka. In addition, 30 apparently healthy young adult subjects aged 20-40 years were included as control. For assessment of thyroid function, serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were estimated by ELISA method. Statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA, Bonferroni test and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient test as applicable. Results: In this study, mean serum free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level was significantly (p<0.001) higher in apparently healthy elderly subjects in comparison to those of the healthy young subjects. Again, serum FT4 and FT3 levels were negatively correlated whereas serum TSH level was positively correlated with age of the subjects. Conclusion: The present study revealed a progressive decrease in thyroid function with advancement of age.